Mexico's culture includes more than 5
thousands traditional festivities per year. When in Mexico, be
part of the celebrations. Get to know the calendar of wonderful
events that take place throughout the year.

JAN 2-12: City of Merida Festival (Festival
de la Ciudad de Merida) -- Merida, Yucatan. In celebration
of the city's founding more than 461 years ago, this ten-day
festival features music, dance and exhibits of local art, as
well as the annual serenade to the city, where the traditional
"Mazanitas" (the "Happy Birthday" song) is sung by its
residents. www.merida.gob.mx

JAN 5-23: Merida International
Art Festival --Merida, Yucatan.
Sponsored by CONACULTA (The National Board of Culture), INBA
(National Institute of Fine Arts), the state of Yucatan and the
city of Merida, this arts festival will feature live concerts,
opera, dance, theater, poetry readings, art and photography
exhibitions as well as films from all over the world. Many
events will be taking place at the Jose Marti Cultural Center,
Olimpo's Cultural Center, Merida's city theater, the University
of Yucatan and Jose Peon Contreras Theater.
http://www.merida.gob.mx

JAN 6: Three Kings' Day (Dia de los Santos
Reyes)--Nationwide. The Feast of the Epiphany recalls the
arrival in Bethlehem of the three wise men (reyes magos) bearing
gifts for baby Jesus. This is the day of traditional gift-giving
for children in the central and southern regions of Mexico.
Rosca de Reyes, a crown-shaped sweet bread decorated with
candied fruits with a small doll baked inside, is served on this
day. Whoever is lucky enough to find the figure in his slice of
bread must host a party on February 2, Candlemas Day, offering
tamales (stuffed corn-flour cakes wrapped in corn husks or
banana leaves) and atole (a hot, sweet drink thickened with corn
flour) to the guests.

JAN 14 - FEB 7: Leon State Fair -- Leon,
Guanajuato. Leon City. located just 45 minutes outside of
Guanajuato, hosts this annual fair which features concerts,
dance, food and much more. One of the highlights of this year's
fair is an ancient Totonac ritual performed by dancers of all
ages called Los Voladores de Papantla (Flyers from Papantla).
These professional dancers launch themselves from the top of a
100-foot pole and slowly descend, flying through the air as the
ropes around the pole unwind. www.ferialeon.com.mx

JAN 15-23: St. Sebastian Fiesta (Fiesta de San
Sebastian el Martir)--Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas. This fiesta
is famous for its "Parachicos" tour, which features a dancing
procession from San Jacinto church through Santo Domingo church
back and forward, ending in a delectable food festival featuring
traditional dishes such as "Pepita con Tasajo" made of beef in a
creamy pumpkin seed sauce. On the night of the 21st, a
traditional nautical battle takes place on the Grijalva River
which concludes in a spectacle of fireworks.

JAN 19: Ceremony of the Pocho Dance--Tenosique,
Tabasco. Dating back to prehispanic times, the traditional
"Pocho" dance means it's almost Carnaval time in Tabasco. The
Pocho consists of a series of dances and other ancient
ceremonies performed by masked dancers, many dressed as jaguars
and tigers. The dance symbolizes the purification of man through
the battle between good and evil. The Pocho performances begin
on January 20 at the main park in Tenosique and on all
subsequent Sundays prior to the commencement of Carnival. On the
last day, the dancers dance backwards from the main square to
the church where the dance began.

FEB 2: Candlemas Day (Dia de la
Candelaria)--Nationwide.
Celebrated with candlelit processions and dancing in many towns
throughout the country, this holiday marks the end of the
Christmas celebration. On this national holiday, families and
friends gather together to enjoy tamales and atole (a hot, sweet
drink thickened with corn flour). The musical events, parades
and dances are especially memorable in the port city of
Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, where a bull is rafted into town and
released.

FEB 5: Dia de la Constitucion. An official
holiday that commemorates Mexico's Constitution.

FEB 6: Annual Half International Marathon -- Guadalajara,
Jalisco. The streets of Guadalajara will rumble with the
sounds of pounding feet and wheel chairs as this traditional
marathon enjoys its 19th consecutive year. The 21-kilometer
course will be run by participants from all over the world, with
this year's purse amounting to $875,000 pesos (US$77,912).
www.maraton.com.mx

FEB 15-21: Carnival (Carnaval)--Nationwide.
Celebrations begin five days before Ash Wednesday and 46 days
before Easter Sunday and are marked by parades, parties and
dancing in the streets. Some of the most famous and festive
celebrations are held in the port towns of Veracruz, Campeche
(www.webcampeche.com ), Mazatlan (www.carnavalmazatlan.com.mx)
and Ensenada, while carnaval in San Juan Chamula, Chiapas is one
of the most important indigenous celebrations in Mexico,
involving purification ceremonies and ethnic dances that depict
Mayan legends.

FEB 14-22: Carnaval Veracruz - Veracruz,
Veracruz.
Known for its Afro-Caribbean-influenced culture, the port city
of Veracruz on the Gulf of Mexico hosts the second-largest
Carnaval in the country. Visitors should not miss the chance to
dance at the zocalo, or main square. Salsa, cumbia, reggae and
marimba are popular, as well as danzon. For more information,
please visit: www.carnavalveracruz.com.mx/

FEB 14-22: Carnaval Merida - Merida,
Yucatan. This Carnaval is about fantasy, magic and mystery.
Different parades and dances take place along a route that goes
from the San Juan Park (parque de San Juan) up to the Flag
Monument (Monumento a la Bandera). For more information, please
visit: www.merida.gob.mx

FEB 16: Seashells and Wine Festival-Ensenada, Baja
California. Now in its 4th year, this exquisite festival
will take place at the Riviera Cultural Center, celebrating the
fine wine from the region.

FEB 20-23: El Cieloa International Nature
Festival --Ciudad Mante, Tamaulipas. This festival welcomes
hundreds of visitors to interact with nature in one Mexico's
most famous biosphere reserves.

FEB 21-27: Mexican Tennis Open Acapulco,
Guerrero.
The Mexican Open is the most important tennis open in Latin
America and ranks fifteenth in the world. It is part of the
International Gold Series ATP and Tier III of the WTA. Champions
from this tournament will go to the US Open in New York.
www.abiertomexicanodetenis.com.

FEB 22-28: Ceremony of the Pocho
Dance--Tenosique, Tabasco.
Dating back to prehispanic times, the traditional "Pocho" dance
means it's almost Carnaval time in Tabasco. The Pocho consists
of a series of dances and other ancient ceremonies performed by
masked dancers, many dressed as jaguars and tigers. The dance
symbolizes the purification of man through the battle between
good and evil. The Pocho performances begin on January 20 at the
main park in Tenosique and on all subsequent Sundays prior to
the commencement of Carnival. On the last day, the dancers dance
backwards from the main square to the church where the dance
began.

FEB 23-26: Annual Extreme Adventure Competition --
Husteca, Hidalgo.
This competition, which will take place in the mountainous
region of the state, has been labeled by top international
racers as one of the most important adventure competitions
around the globe. More than US$60,000 in prizes will be awarded
at the competition. This year's route will cover many different
disciplines including kayaking, trekking, mountain biking,
canyoneering, swimming and caving. Teams from countries well
known for their adventure enthusiasts like Australia, the U.S.,
Sweden, Spain and Mexico will be represented. www.eah2005.com

MAR 3: Night of the Witches (Noche de
Brujas)--Catemaco, Veracruz. Is modern medicine getting
you down? Need a cure or are you just a bit curious? The small
lakeside town of Catemaco, referred to as the mecca of witch
doctors, attracts thousands of people seeking non-conventional
healing methods, and many swear by the results. Taking place the
first Friday night of March every year, the annual gathering is
a spectacle of witches, healers, magicians and wizards.

MAR 3-5: Corona Rally Mexico--Guanajuato
State. The cities of Guanajuato, Silao and Leon in
Guanajuato State will host the 2006 Corona Rally, a two-day race
covering 600 miles of central Mexico's majestic plateaus and
mountains in 15 legs of intense off road driving. This time, the
Leon-based event will feature a new and spectacular stage on the
outskirts of the city. Not to be missed is the wide array of
festivities that always accompany the rallies. Traditional
dance, music and food promise to put the Mexican spirit into
this event. www.rallymexico.com

MAR 13-20: Xochimilco
Festival--Xochimilco, Mexico City.
Held annually two weeks before Easter, this four-day event dates
back to precolonial times when Mexicans honored the goddess of
flowers (Xochipilli) and the goddess of dance (Maculxochitl) to
ensure good harvests. Every year, a young woman is crowned La
Flor Mas Bella del Ejido (the most beautiful flower of the land)
who presides over colorful parades on flower-decorated barges
along Xochimilco's famed canals.

MAR 16-19: International Motorcycle
Festival--Saltillo, Coahuila. Saltillo welcomes hundreds of
riders to this unique event, just a three hours' ride from
Texas. www.amoden.com

MAR 17-21: Tajin Summit (Cumbre
Tajin)--Tajin, Veracruz.
This festival evokes the spring season (a time of renovation)
and celebrates the archeological sites and natural beauty of
Veracruz. The central theme of Tajin is the Ritual.
www.cumbretajin.com

MAR 21: Spring Equinox (Equinoccio de
la Primavera)--ĚChichen-Itza, Yucatan.
Thousands of people from around the world gather at this Mayan
ruin on the Yucatan peninsula to witness the afternoon shadow of
the snake-god Kukulcan slowly "crawl down" the country's largest
Mayan pyramid, El Castillo.

MAR 24 -31: Guadalajara Film
Festival--Guadalajara, Jalisco.
Now in its 21st year, this contemporary film festival is the
oldest and most important film festival in Mexico, offering the
best selection of Mexican and Ibero-American films of the year.
The festival features a variety of films including
feature-length films, shorts, documentaries and children's
films. http://guadalajaracinemafest09.com/en/.

MAR 26 - APR 2: Zihuatanejo Internacional
Guitar Festival - Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo, Guerrero.
The event runs from Sunday through Sunday, with daily events
throughout the week. A great opportunity to visit the beautiful
beaches, the warm ocean breezes, the charm of a sleepy fishing
village on one of the most beautiful and unspoiled bays in
Mexico. For more information, please visit: www.zihuafest.info/

MAR 31 - APR 18: The Cuernavaca Fair
(Formerly known as: La Feria de la Flor / The Flower
Fair)--Cuernavaca, Morelos.
This fair fills Cuernavaca's streets with flower booths and
gardening competitions. At night, everyone gathers at the main
plaza for a laser light show. Pay a visit to the famous Borda
Gardens, once the residence of Emperor Maximillian and his wife
Carlota.

APR: Local: Cuernavaca Flower Fair.
Cuernavaca is one of Mexico's most popular Colonial Gems.

APR 3-7: International Guitar Festival
of Morelia (Festival Internacional de Guitarra de
Morelia)--Morelia, Michoacan. Michoacan, with its
rich musical traditions and home to one of the oldest
conservatories in Latin America, is the perfect host for this
popular guitar festival. The program features recitals,
contests, conferences, seminars and expositions, with local as
well as international artists participating from Venezuela,
Chile, Germany, Spain, Argentina, Cuba and the Czech Republic.

APR 9-16: Sardine Fishing Ritual (Pesca de
la Sardina)--Tacotalpa, Tabasco. In the picturesque village
of Tapijulapa, an enchanting cavern known as the Cave of the
Sardines (Cueva de la Sardina) is the site of an annual
religious ritual with prehispanic roots. The ritual involves
fishing for sardines for the purpose of imploring Mother Nature
to bring sufficient rain for the crops. The more sardines caught
during the ceremony, the better the harvest will be. Cultural
festivities are celebrated prior to the ritual, starting on
March 13 to the 19.

APR 9-16: Holy Week (Semana
Santa)--Nationwide.
Beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter Sunday, the
week's religious celebrations include reenactments of the events
leading up to Christ's crucifixion. The most renowned
celebrations are held in Mexico City, Patzcuaro, San Luis
Potosi, Zacatecas, San Cristobal de las Casas and Taxco.

APR 15-MAY 13: San Marcos Fair (Feria
de San Marcos)--Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes State. A
colorful three-week festival featuring handicrafts, bullfights,
folk dancing, games, cockfights, fireworks, cultural events and
local cuisine. The National Poetry Prize and a traditional
competition of typical dress also take place during this
international celebration.

APR 8-15: Polo Tournament - "Gran
Copa Agua Alta"Ě Costa Careyes, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
Costa Careyes is located 2 and a half hours south of Puerto
Vallarta and a little more than an hour north of Manzanillo
International Airport on the Mexican Pacific Coast, on the
famous Costalegre.

APR 16 & 17: Cabo Marine
Show. Cabo San Lucas will be celebrating its first annual
Cabo Marine Show which takes place Friday, April 16 and
Saturday, April 17, 2010, along the marina in Cabo San Lucas,
Baja California Sur. Boating and sailing enthusiasts from North
America, and their suppliers, will converge at the Cabo San
Lucas Marina with its breathtaking backdrop of the Sea of Cortes
and the famous arch at Land's end. Charter companies and water
activities promoters of sport fishing, boating and luxury
yachting as well as resorts and marinas, hotels and world-class
golf courses, will have an opportunity to make themselves known
to the select Los Cabos travel market, its visitors and the eyes
of the international travel media. www.cabomarineshow.com

APR 16-29: Annual Mexico City Festival (Festival del
Centro Historico) -- Mexico City. Regarded as one of Latin
America's most vibrant celebrations of art and culture, this
two-week festival features diverse events including opera,
concerts, theater, art exhibits, dance productions and gourmet
fare. More than a million local and international spectators
will flock to Mexico City for the festival, and proceeds go
toward the rescue and restoration of the art and architecture of
Mexico City's historic downtown area. www.fchmexico.com

APR 22-24: 57th Annual Newport Beach to
Ensenada International Yacht Race -- Ensenada, Baja California.
Yachting competition originating in Newport Beach,
California to Ensenada with more than 50 participating yachts,
featuring a festival and ceremony upon their arrival in Ensenada

APR 28-MAY 14: Tabasco Fair (Feria de
Tabasco) --Parque Villahermosa, Tabasco. Famous for its
Olmec artifacts, Villahermosa Park hosts this colorful state
fair where 17 counties share their best in cuisine, arts and
crafts. Visitors can also enjoy the colorful boat parade over
the Grijalva River and the outdoor theater in the evenings where
plays are presented by each county. From April 28 to May 14,
some prior festivities take place such as beauty contestants,
street band performances and car and boats parades.

APR 22-30: San Marcos Fair (Feria de San
Marcos) - √ā¬ĚTuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas: A popular fair
dedicated to the patron saint of the Capital City of Chiapas.
The traditional elements will stand out, such as the processions
in which they carry offerings named somas, made with
leaves, fruits and candy. For more information, please call:
(01152) 961 602 52 98.

APR 30: Children's Day (Dia de los Ninos)
-- Mexico City:
Celebrated in schools across Mexico, April 30 is recognized as
el Dia del Nino, or Children's Day. Mexican ninos receive cakes,
candies and gifts. With more than six million children living in
the city, Mexico City features a wide variety of attractions for
children.

MAY TBD: Cancun Jazz Festival.
Exact dates vary, but if you're a Jazz fan, Cancun is the place
to be in Mexico during the month of May.

MAY 2-8: Canadian Tour-Mazatlan Corona Classic -- Mazatlan,
Sinaloa. Considered one of the most important golf events in
the world, the Canadian Tour will make its first stop in Mexico
in Mazatlan and receive 156 players from 15 different countries.
The purse this year is $125,000. www.cmcgolf.com

MAY 5: Cinco de Mayo Parade
(Desfile del Cinco de Mayo) -- Puebla, Puebla. The
civic-military parade takes place each year in the Blvd. Heroes
del Cinco de Mayo. Many elementary schools participate in this
event where the young students march representing their schools.
As part of the parade, there will also be an exhibition of motor
vehicles leaded by the specialized police force, and military
forces marching such as the infantry regiment. Many of Puebla's
government authorities will be present at this Parade.

MAY 5-8: Acapulco Boat Show -- Acapulco,
Guerrero. Aimed at fostering an interest in sea and water
sports, as well as promote Mexico's nautical market, this
exposition features everything from mega yachts to aquatic
motorcycles. National and international exhibitors include
manufacturers, distributors and marina service providers. Boat
owners, prospective buyers and sea lovers in general are welcome
to attend. www.acapulcoboatshow.com

MAY 9-14: Canadian Tour-Michelin Morelia Classic -- Morelia,
Michoacan. One of the most important golf events in the
world, the Canadian Tour will make its final stop in Morelia.
The purse this year is US$125,000. www.cmcgolf.com

MAY 12-24: Mexico Undewater -- Cozumel, Quintana Roo.
Mexico Underwater is the first premier dive show in Cozumel
designed for the diving enthusiast. This dive fair is held in a
truly world-class environment and in real scuba diving
atmosphere. Mexico Underwater features educational seminars,
product exhibits, travel opportunities and photo contests.
www.mexicounderwater.com

MAY 15-20: ROLEX/IGFA Offshore Championship -- Los Cabos,
Baja California Sur. This annual competition attracts more
than 60 qualifying teams from 33 countries representing 250
international anglers and their guests to Cabo San Lucas and the
Los Cabos area for four days of intense fishing on 44 local
charter boats. Each team is allowed to weigh two fish of each
species on each day of fishing, and top prizes include engraved
gold and stainless Rolex watches.
www.igfatournaments.com/2004/2004_index.html

MAY 18: Vineyards Flowering Festival --
Ensenada, Baja California. This harvest festival, which
marks the initiation of the production of wine grapes, takes
place at several wineries in the Guadalupe Valley.

MAY 21-JUN 6: International
Wine and Cheese Festival (Feria Internacional de Queso y
Vino)--Tequisquiapan, Queretaro.
The enchanting town of Tequisquiapan hosts this annual wine and
cheese festival, bringing together wine and cheese producers
from all over the country. Apart from wine and cheese tasting,
visitors will also enjoy regional cuisine, concerts, handicrafts
and other cultural events. www.tequisquiapan.com.mx

MAY 25: The Horse Festival - Ensenada, Baja
California.
Organized by Cucapa Equestrian Ranch, in the valley of
Guadalupe, close to Ensenada, takes place an event that gives
you a taste of Baja California, Mexico. The day is filled with
exhibitions of equestrian arts in all its' disciplines combined
with art, food and wine.

JUN 1-15: Buenavista Festivities, La Paz,
Baja California Sur. Go and try the wind surf and all the
amenities this lovely town has for you, celebrate with the rest
of festivities like the Loreto's Dorado International Fishing
Tournament and The Coyote 300 Off Road Race among other
activities.

JUN 3-5: 44th Annual Tecate SCORE Baja 500
Race -- Ensenada, Baja California. This race will welcome
more than 280 participants from 15 countries. More than 250
vehicles competing in 24 professional and five sportsman
categories for cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs will
participate in this race which covers 450 miles of mountains,
valleys, deserts, forest and gorgeous Pacific coastline. The
race will finish in downtown Ensenada inside the Deportivo
Antonio Palacios Baseball Stadium on 9th Street and Guadalupe
Avenue. www.score-international.com

JUL 2 - 31: Festival of Adventure Tourism
(Festival de Turismo de Aventura)--Chihuahua, Chihuahua State.
Athletes compete for cash prizes at this festival featuring
everything from marathons and triathlons to mountain biking and
sand-boarding. If the competition doesn't take your breath away,
the lush scenery will. For more information please visit
www.chihuahua.gob.mx

JUL 13-23: Annual International Puppet
Festival--Huamantla, Tlaxcala. A time-honored tradition in
Mexico, more than 15 cities in the state of Tlaxcala will be
hosting this festival. For two weeks, a multitude of puppeteers
and puppets of all colors, shapes and sizes will invade Mexico's
smallest state. Performers come from Spain, Colombia, Cuba,
Hungary and numerous other states in Mexico.

JUL 14-17: Nueva Paquime Festival - √ā¬ĚCasas
Grandes, Chihuahua. This festival, taking place in Casas
Grandes, just outside the renowned Paquime archaeological site
(declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998), is a
celebration of the heritage and cultures of northern Mexico,
featuring, parades, art contests, concerts, poetry readings,
children's workshops and much more. www.festivalnuevapaquime.com

JUL Dates Vary: Guelaguetza--Oaxaca,
Oaxaca State.
Dating back to pre-hispanic times when the festival was offered
to the gods in hopes of a bountiful harvest, this event brings
together delegations from the region's seven indigenous
cultures. Traditional songs and dances are performed by each
group, and objects and handicrafts typical to each region are
also on display. See Also: Guelaguetza, Oaxaca.

JUL 22: IX Villista Cavalgade (IX Cabalgata Villista) --
Chihuahua, Chihuahua State. More than a thousand people take
part in this horseback riding adventure which covers 136 miles
from Chihuahua City to Hidalgo del Parral. Entire families are
welcome to participate. See Also:
www.chihuahua.gob.mx/turismoweb

JUL 23-27: International Film
Festival, Short Expression (El Festival de Expresion en
Corto)--Guanajuato, Guanajuato State. An annual film
festival showcasing short films and documentaries and awarding
the creators of outstanding films with the materials and
equipment needed to continue their art. Every year, a country is
spotlighted at the festival as the special guest of honor, with
a variety of activities that provide a deeper look into the film
culture, history and contemporary trends of the guest country.
This year, France is the special guest of honor.

JUL 29 - AUG 12: International Chamber
Music Festival (Festival Internacional de Musica de Camara)--San
Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. A classical music
festival to bid farewell to the summer, featuring award-winning
international ensembles, guest musicians and local artists
performing in the city's beautiful open gardens and the grand
gothic cathedral.

AUG 1 - 15: International Chamber Music Festival -- San
Miguel de Allende. San
Miguel is famous for non-stop festivals and parties all
year-round and this is one of its most famous, and most widely
attended. The festival lasts for a fortnight - book early as the
hotels fill up at this time.

AUG 14:
Huamantla Fair (Feria de Huamantla) - √ā¬ĚHuamantla, Tlaxcala.
At this event, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, churches and miles
of city streets are draped in a beautiful tapestry of colorful
flower petals and decorative sawdust. A running of the bulls
follows the solemn event.

AUG 12-15: Mushroom Fair of San
Juanito (V Feria del Hongo)--San Juanito, Chihuahua.
Organized by the Municipality of Bocoyna. Learn more about the
various types of mushrooms and their diverse contributions to
the culinary world through workshops, demonstrations and
taste-testing. This event also features cooking contests and
cultural events. www.chihuahua.gob.mx

AUG 17: International Mexico City
Marathon (Maraton Internacional de la Ciudad de Mexico)--Mexico
City.
Mexico City's altitude makes this popular 26-mile marathon one
of the most challenging in the world. More than 15,000 runners
of all ages and from all walks of life compete in five
categories. This year, the marathon will start and end at Mexico
City's historic central square (the zocalo).
www.maraton.df.gob.mx

AUG 20: Mani Festival (Fiesta de Mani) -- Mani, Yucatan.
Mani is known in Mexico as the site of the infamous "Auto de
Fe," where bishop Fray Diego de Landa burned valuable Mayan
codices and manuscripts in 1562. Mani is one of the most
representative Mayan towns alive. This festival features local
dancers, bands, traditional cuisine, live concerts, mechanical
attractions, art exhibitions and more. The festival takes place
at the center plaza and offers visitors from all over the world
a unique cultural experience. www.yucatan.gob.mx

AUG 20-28: Paracho Guitar Festival -- Paracho, Michoacan.
Come and join the festival where the most famous guitars are
made in Mexico.

AUG 24-27: Morismas of Bracho (Las
Morismas de Bracho)--Zacatecas, Zacatecas State. A
reenactment of the battles between Moors and Christians, this
event involves thousands of actors and has been held annually
for more than 300 years.

AUG 28-SEP 7: International Mariachi
and Charro Festival --Guadalajara, Jalisco. Annual
celebration of mariachi music in the mariachi capital of the
world, gathering musicians from Mexico and around the world.
http://www.mariachi-jalisco.com.mx/.

AUG 29: Chile in Walnut Sauce Festival (Festival del Chile en
Nogada) -- Puebla, Puebla State. Mexico's national dish is
commemorated every year with several activities, including
culinary conferences and samplings, as well as a competition for
the largest chile, judged by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Inspired by the Mexican flag, the dish contains a poblano chile
(green), walnut sauce (white), with pomegranate seeds (red)
sprinkled over. A must for lovers of Mexican cuisine!

SEP: All month long: Poetry Festival -- San Luis Potosi,
San Luis Potosi.
International poetry festival featuring the works of Juan
Gelman, Alvaro Mutis, Raul Zurita, Agusto de Campos, Decio
Pignatari, David Huerta y Tomas Segovia. This festival will take
place in the four ares of the state and features lectures,
readings and conferences by world-renowned poets.

SEP 1 - 11: 12th International Mariachi and
Charro Festival -- Guadalajara, Jalisco.
Annual celebration of mariachi music in the mariachi capital of
the world, gathering musicians from Mexico and around the world.
www.mariachi-jalisco.com.mx

SEP 1-14 (first
two weeks of September): Zacatecas National
Fair --Zacatecas, Zacatecas. Colonial jewel
Zacatecas, celebrates its rich cultural history with a two
week-long fair with musical performances, amusement ride for the
children, theater performances, and an assortment of regional
cuisine.

SEP 8: Tepozteco Challenge (Reto al
Tepozteco)--Tepoztlan, Morelos. Performance depicting
King Tepoztecatlan's conversion to the Catholic religion.
Procession leads to the Tepozteco Pyramid, where offerings are
made. This event includes a food festival, chinelo dances dating
back to prehispanic times, and fireworks.

SEP 15 - 16: Mexican Independence Day
(Dia de la Independencia Mexicana)--Nationwide.
Mexico celebrates its declaration of independence from Spain in
1810. The night of September 15, marks "El Grito," a dramatic
reenactment of revolutionary Father Hidalgo's call for his
fellow Mexicans to join the uprising, which takes place at city
halls across the country. On September 16, military parades are
held in almost every Mexican city.

SEP 19 - 21: Fall Equinox at Kulkulcan
(Equinoccio de Kulkulcan)--Chichen Itza, Yucatan.
Thousands of people from around the world gather at this Mayan
ruin on the Yucatan Peninsula to witness the afternoon shadow of
the snake-god Kukulcan slowly "crawl down" the country's largest
Mayan pyramid, El Castillo.

SEP 16: Running of the Bulls at San
Miguel (Sanmiguelada)--San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.
Also known as the Pamplonada because it is Mexico's imitation of
Spain's "running of the bulls,"√ā¬Ě the Sanmiguelada is an annual
festival usually taking place the third Saturday of September in
honor of Saint Michael the Archangel. The event involves dances,
concerts, fireworks and bulls running through town. Daring
participants meet at high noon.
www.sanmiguelguide.com/tour-pamplonada.htm

SEP 24-30: National Antique Festival
(Muestra Nacional de Antiguedades)--Saltillo, Coahuila.
Now in its tenth year, this festival gathers together top
antique dealers from all over Mexico and features exhibitions of
international treasures, accompanied by a musical and
educational program. www.muestraantiguedades.com

OCT All month long: October Festivals (Fiestas de Octubre) --
Guadalajara, Jalisco. Guadalajara is birthplace of the
Mariachi, the famous Mexican musical performers, synonymous with
Mexico. During October Mariachis celebrate their art in the city
where they began. Musicians from all over Mexico gather here
during October - if you like Mariachi music, get to Guadalajara
in October!

OCT 1-9: Morelia Film Festival (Festival Internacional de
Cine de Morelia) -- Morelia, Michoacan. Now in its tenth
year, this festival is one of the most important, this film
festival gathers together an international group of filmmakers,
critics and actors in order to promote the new talents of
Mexican cinema and provide a forum for international exhibition.

OCT 3 -21: International Cervantine
Festival (34 - Festival Cervantino
Internacional)--Guanajuato,Guanajauato.
The Festival Cervantino in the colonial city of Guanajuato.
Although the festival is hosted in one of Mexico's smaller
colonial cities, its international fame and reach are
indisputable. If you are visiting Mexico in October and can get
to Guanajuato you'll be treated to a feast of dance, music, art
and entertainment performed by internationally acclaimed acts
from as far away as India and China. Advanced booking of
transport and accommodation is advised.
www.festivalcervantino.gob.mx/

OCT 5-23: International Festival of Contemporary Dance
(Festival Internacional de Danza Contemporanea) -- San Luis
Potosi, San Luis Potosi State. Festival celebrating
contemporary dance and featuring national and international
artists from countries such as Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador,
United States, Japan and Venezuela.
ww.visitasanluispotosi.com/ferias.htm

OCT 6-11: Fly All-Release Rooster Fish Tournament -- Ixtapa /
Zihuatanejo, Guerrero. Fly fish take center stage during
this first international fishing tournament that focuses on the
preservation of the species.

Second week of October: Street Theater
International Festival. Zacatecas, Zacatecas. This
International Festival was implemented of its first edition at
2002. Since the beginning was destined to succeed and to be
consolidated as one of the most important events in Mexico.
Today is one of the most recognized festivals that has been
established in only a few years in Zacatecas. This event takes
place at open spaces and in direct contact with the people.

OCT 15-17: International Nacho-Fest (Festival
Internacional del Nacho) -- Piedras Negras, Coahuila. Every
year this event is organized to promote the notorious nacho, one
of the region's culinary contributions to Mexican cuisine.
www.festivaldelnacho.com.mx

Third Sunday of October: Tradicional Fair.
Nochistlan, Zacatecas. One of its main events of
October is its traditional fair. They'll have bullfights,
cultural and sports events, expositions, etc. Among the main
places of interest that can be visited are: the temples of San
Francisco, San Sebastian, San Jose, the Market, the Arches
(aqueduct of the 18th century) and more.

OCT 17 - 26. Tradicional Palenque. All
State of Jalisco.
Traditional festivals, cockfighting and artist, commercial
handcrafts exhibition where you can meet the great culture of
Guadalajara.

From last Saturday of October until the second Sunday of
November: All Saints Fair. Colima, Colima. Must
important fair of the state and of the bordering zones of
Jalisco and Michoacan. It dates from the year of 1826 and in
1934 was instituted like Agricultural, Regional Fair, cattle
Raiser, Commercial, Craft and Industrial. At present functions
in own installations, youare close to the Park of Ninos Heroes
better known as "The Detour" -, in the Kilometer 4 of the
highway Colima-La Estancia, with open spaces for restaurants,
rooms of varieties, theater al air free and stockade.
Recreational and cultural events are organized daily.

OCT 22-NOV 2: Festival of Skulls (Festival de las
Calaveras) -- Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes State. This
macabre festival features a variety of morbid art exhibits,
performing arts and a parade of skeletons, with contests for the
most creative costumes and artwork. Skulls of different sizes
and materials are on display as well as games and stands with
traditional food and seasonal fruits. www.aguascalientes.gob.mx

OCT 30-NOV 28: November Festivals (Fiestas de Noviembre)
-- Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. The events during this month
include the annual Pipeline of Mexico, Zicatela Beach's
International Surfing Tournament, the International Sailfish
Tournament and the Coastal Dance Festival.

NOV 1-DEC 18: XI Mazatlan Cultural Festival (XI Festival
Cultural de Mazatlan) -- Mazatlan, Sinaloa. A cultural
celebration featuring theater, dance, film, literature and
concerts throughout the month in the historic downtown area
(Centro Historico) with many of the events taking place in the
open air as well as in the Angela Peralta Theater.

NOV 1-2:
Day of the Dead. All over Mexico. Nationwide. This
event encompasses 2 days: All Saint's Day, and All Souls day.
The former honors all saints and people who died as children and
the latter honor the souls of those who died in adulthood. If
you are in Mexico around this time, expect to see sugar-candy
skulls, skeletons and Pan de Muerto (Bread of the Dead)
advertised at shops and supermarkets - they are a traditional
sight in Mexico at this time of year. Relatives of those who
died gather at cemeteries throughout Mexico, bringing bread,
fruit and their decorated sugar skulls, along with candles and
the favorite food of the people they are remembering to
celebrate the lives of those passed on, and remember their loved
loves. The mood is far from morbid: it is lively, upbeat -
almost like an Irish wake - and is intended to be a celebration
of life, not a morbid occasion!

NOV 10 - End of NOV: Fiestas de Mar (Parties
of the Sea) -- Puerto Vallarta. This is Puerto Vallarta's
biggest party event on the annual calendar and includes a
sailing regatta and the Governor's Golf Tournament.

NOV 16-18: Maestros del Arte Annual Folk Art Fair,
Ajijic (near Guadalajara). Maestros del Arte artisans fair
is a three-day event held in one of the most beautiful villages
in Mexico. Hand-picked Master Artists travel from all over the
country to bring buyers and collectors an astonishing variety of
exceptional folk art. Many of the artists are featured in the
acclaimed book Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art and represent
families that have practiced their art for generations; others
are inspired craftsmen yet to be discovered.
www.mexicoartshow.com

Nov 21: Taste of Playa Festival (Playa Del Carmen).
Taste of Playa is an annual culinary event in Playa del Carmen
that celebrates the creativity and cultural influences of chefs
throughout the Riviera Maya. This year's event is scheduled for
November 21, 2012 in the Parque Fundadores from 3 pm to 9 pm.
Admission to Taste of Playa is free to the public with "Taste of
Playa Pesos" available for sale which are used to purchase the
signature dishes offered. Samples will have a value of 1 or 2
Taste of Playa Pesos (10 to 20 pesos in value). All Inclusive
VIP Passes and Taste of Playa Pesos may be purchased at the
event, ordered in advance or purchased online beginning in July.
For more information, visit www.TasteofPlaya.com.

NOV 13-23: Festival Gourmet
International (Festival Gourmet Internacional) - Puerto
Vallarta, Jalisco. In this festival, you will have the
opportunity to sample a spicy blend of culinary talents. More
than twenty restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and around the
Banderas Bay, as well as the finest culinary professionals from
all over the world will come to Puerto Vallarta to demonstrate
their unique and diverse cuisine. For more information, please
visit: www.festivalgourmet.com

NOV 12-16: International Musical Festival of
Morelia (XVII Festival Internacional de Musica de Morelia Miguel
Bernal Jimenez) -- Morelia, Michoacan. Created in 1989 and
named after Mexico?s famous composer Miguel Bernal Jimenez, this
annual festival features performances by musicians from all over
the world and takes place at beautiful settings throughout
Morelia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. www.festivalmorelia.com

NOV 14-17: Tag and Release Fishing Tournament -- Ixtapa /
Zihuatanejo, Guerrero. International tournament that permits
the observation and preservation of a variety of species in the
Pacific.

NOV 21-26: International Jazz Festival.
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.
San Miguel de Allende Jazz festival finds a demonstration of
great music performers, that will find a space for their
expression. Many international recognized teachers of Jazz will
interpret majestic melodies for all audiences.

NOV 22-30: International Sailfish Tournament (Torneo
Internacional de Pesca de Pez Vela) -- Manzanillo, Colima.
Since 1957, Manzanillo has been referred to as the sail fishing
capital of the world due to the large number of sailfish caught
in its waters. Manzanillo?s Sport Fishing Club will be
sponsoring this event.
www.manzanillo.commx/activi/pesca/pesca.htm

NOV 26 - DEC 4: XVIV International Book Fair in Guadalajara
(XVIIV Feria Internacional del Libro, or FIL) -- Guadalajara,
Jalisco.
Created nearly two decades ago by the University of Guadalajara,
the FIL is an eclectic celebration of literature, art and
culture, representing the second largest book fair in the world
and, by far, the largest and most diverse international offering
of publications in the Spanish language. Throughout the nine-day
event, writers, scholars, artists, and literary connoisseurs
from all walks of life fill the halls of the Guadalajara Expo
Center and submerge themselves in the best that the literary
world has to offer. www.fil.com.mx

NOV 30-DEC 4: International Golf Tournament -- Mazatlan,
Sinaloa. The Golf Committee of the El Code Golf & Country
Club hosts this annual amateur golf tournament with categories
for adults, seniors, women, etc. Prizes will include cars, cash
and much more.

ALL DEC: Campeche's Historical
Festival - Campeche, Campeche State.
Throughout December the city of Campeche celebrates its
Historical Festival which includes great concerts, popular arts,
food fairs, children activities and much more.

DEC 1-4: 4th Annual Air Balloon Festival -- Leon,
Guanajuato. Largest festival in Latin America with more than
60 balloons and pilots from all over the globe participating.
www.festivaldelglobo.com.mx

DEC 3-8: Fly All-Release Sailfish Challenge -- Ixtapa /
Zihuatanejo, Guerrero. Sailfish take center stage during
this first international fishing tournament that focuses on the
preservation of the species.

DEC 6-11: Annual International Tequila Festival -- Puerto
Vallarta, Jalisco. Count on the streets of Puerto Vallarta
to be full of "spirit" this winter as the First Annual
International Tequila Festival kicks off on December 6. Tequila
aficionados from all walks of life are expected to attend this
week-long event, but don't let the name "Tequila Festival" fool
you! This exposition of prestigious beverages will extend to
such spirits as champagne, cognac, sake and bourbon, among
others. Not only will attendees be able to savor the tastes of
these fine drinks, but they'll also enjoy a variety of musical,
theatrical and cultural performances hosted by this Pacific
coast city. www.visitpuertovallarta.net

DEC 7-11: World WBS Billfish Tournament -- Mazatlan, Sinaloa.
Bluewater anglers will congregate in Mazatlan for this annual
world billfish tournament. Prizes include Mercedes automobiles,
a magnificent Marlin bronze trophy designed by the artist
Geoffrey Smith and a gold championship ring.

DEC 12 - 21: Festival of San Cristobal de las Casas -- San
Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas. This two-week festival in
Chiapas includes a procession by the Tzotzil and Tzetzal
Indians, marimba music and a parade of horses.

DEC 12: Day of the Virgin of
Guadalupe (Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe)--Nationwide.
One of the most important holidays in Mexico during which
millions of travelers converge on the Mexico City Basilica of
the country's patron saint in a pilgrimage to pay tribute to
Mexico's patron saint. The square in front of the Basilica is a
stage for singing, dancing and celebration.

DEC 16-23: Posada and Pinata Fair
(Feria de la Posada y Pinata)--Alcoman, Mexico State.
The "Posadas"√ā¬Ě procession is an annual celebration near Mexico
City. Among the pinatas on display are those made from clay,
traditional models with seven points that symbolize the seven
deadly sins, and those made from cardboard with popular
children's designs. Workshops in pinata-making are also offered.

DEC 16-24: Posadas--Nationwide.
Processions recreating Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem,
in which people holding candles go door to door to seek shelter.
Festivities include pinatas, Christmas caroling and special
foods and sweets.

DEC 23: Festival of the Radishes
(Festival de los Rabanos)--Oaxaca, Oaxaca State.
Local artisans and sculptors set up stalls around the main
square to display their elaborate pieces of art--made entirely
from radishes! The local crop is used for creating Nativity
scenes and famous Mexican figures. Balloons and birds crafted
from local flowers add even more color.

DEC 24: Las Calendas--Oaxaca,
Oaxaca State. The districts of Oaxaca City prepare floats and costumes for
processions held throughout the city. The parades feature
marmotas (translucent paper spheres lit from within and carried
aloft on poles) and giant paper Mache people whose arms flop
around as the people hidden inside dance.

DEC 25: Christmas in Mexico. The Christmas period
starts around the 12th and continues right through until early
in the New Year on January 6th - Kings Day. Hotels, resorts, and
key attractions become totally booked up (so do busses, flights
and trains). Parties, celebrations and processions evident
everywhere you go. Mexicans love to party and Christmas is a big
event here. If you want to spend a Christmas at one of Mexico's
tourist areas - Reserve well in advance

DEC 31: Liberation of the Turtles -- Ixtapa / Zihuatanejo,
Guerrero. Most hotels in the region participate in a special
marine animal protection program which includes collecting and
protecting turtle eggs until they hatch and are ready for
release. The releasing event symbolizes the beginning of a new
year full of hope for these marvelous animals.

DEC 31: New Year's Eve - Mexico City's Zocalo square
(second largest square in the world after Red Square in Moscow)
becomes as lively at it gets on Independence day. Don't wear
your good clothes - it is traditional to fill empty egg shells
with confetti and colorful liquids that will stain your clothes
and may not come out. The liquid is usually a variety of food
coloring. Parties are vibrant and go on forever. The mood is of
celebration and hope for the new year ahead. Colonial Centers
are particularly atmospheric at this time and are great places
to go if you're looking for an alternative to the normal big
town / big city new year's scene.